Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom maintains an “unassailable” lead in the race for California governor, with Republican businessman John Cox of Rancho Santa Fe likely to be in second place and in the running after Tuesday’s primary, according to a new poll.

Nienstedt said that even if Cox gets to second place, it will be an uphill battle for a Republican to be elected governor in November. In fact, he said, Newsom’s position will be strengthened by having a Republican as his opponent rather than another Democrat.

However, having Cox on the ballot in November will encourage Republican turnout, Nienstedt said, boosting the chances of Republican congressional candidates and the gas tax repeal measure.

He noted that Villarigosa, despite his name recognition in Los Angeles, did not appear to be effectively leveraging his base among Latinos and Southern California residents.

The poll was conducted May 29-30 by professional interviewers. It has a margin of error of 4 percent.

Latest Statewide Poll Shows Cox Facing Newsom for Governor After Primary was last modified: June 2nd, 2018 by Chris Jennewein

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